Gophers grind out 30-23 win over Nebraska

Oct. 16—The Gophers offense played a near-perfect first half against Nebraska on Saturday, were mistake ridden in the third quarter, but got a big play late in a 30-23 win Saturday at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Minnesota's defense gave up six explosive plays over 25-yards, but forced the Cornhuskers into two turnovers-on-downs — which helped offset Tanner Morgan's two interceptions — and added a safety to do its part.

Without its top two running backs, overlooked backup Bryce Williams broke free for a 56-yard touchdown that seemed to seal the win at 30-16 with two minutes left, but Nebraska answered with a one-minute touchdown drive. The U recovered the onside kick, got a first down and were able to go into victory formation.

Minnesota (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) has won three straight against Nebraska (3-5, 1-4), which was a four-point favorite after three close losses to Top 10 teams.

The Gophers had 247 total yards in the first half to take a 21-9 at the half, but outside of Williams' big play, Minnesota had only 93 yards on 29 plays in the second half.

Without Mo Ibrahim and Trey Potts, Williams stepped up to have 17 carries for 127 yards and the big, long, touchdown scamper.

When the U offense was struggling, the Gophers' goal-line defense helped them keep the lead in the third quarter. They had two stuffs. On third and goal from the 1 1/2-yard line, Tyler Nubin, Mariano Sori-Marin and Jordan Howden combined to keep Adrian Martinez out of the end zone. On fourth down from the 1/2-yard, Tyler Nubin made another big stop.

Minnesota's defense turned over the Huskers on downs in the fourth quarter as well. MJ Anderson, who is playing through an arm injury, had two pass break-ups, including one on third down. On fourth, Donald Willis got a hand on Martinez's throw.

Martinez leads the Huskers' rushing attack, sometimes on the triple option or scrambling, but he had eight carries for minus-17 yards, including two Gopher sacks.

Tanner Morgan set a school record with 16-straight completions, but then threw interceptions on two consecutive throws. He was late in trying to thread it to Brown-Stephens, but star cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt picked it off for a touchback. Minnesota forced a three-and-out.

Then Morgan under threw Autman-man and Deontai Williams picked it off. With the short field, Nebraska took advantage of three breakdowns at all three levels of the U defense to cut Minnesota's lead to 21-16.

In the first half, Morgan completed 14 of 15 passes (with one drop) for 171 yards and two touchdowns. He threw on a dime to Brown-Stephens and Autman-Bell in the corner of the end zone for both scores.

The only time Minnesota were stopped — they did it to themselves. After stacking up 42 yards on five runs, Minnesota offensive coordinator Mike Sanford Jr. called a reverse flea-flicker pass, and Morgan was sacked for a 12-yard loss.

It was the counter-balance to Sanford's great play call to open the game. After wildcat quarterback Cole Kramer rushed three times on the opening drive, Kramer's play-action on fourth-and-1 had the Huskers defense falling for the fake, and Kramer's first career TD went to tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford.

Gophers head coach P.J. Fleck said to KFAN at halftime that Sanford was "calling a really good game." But that trick play killed Minnesota's momentum and opportunity to create separation. The U were forced to settle for a 50-yard field goal, which Matthew Trickett missed and it kept the lead at 14-3.

Nebraska got back into the game with a nine-play, 68-yard touchdown drive but missed extra point to trail Minnesota 14-9. The U's defense kept the Huskers to 66 yards across their four other drives.

After the Huskers' TD, Minnesota responded with Morgan's perfect throw to Autman-Bell, which he hauled in while being interfered with and was still able to snag it and keep his feet down inbounds.